Haier Displays Television That Features Wireless Power

Amidst all the 3D television at last week's CES, Chinese manufacturer Haier showed off a television that had a different kind of cutting-edge technology. The television was designed to be completely wireless, relying on wireless technology not only for content, but also for power.

Using a magnetic-based power system developed by MIT spin-off company WiTricity, the television is capable of receiving 100 W of power from up to about a meter away. The power unit plugs into the wall and sends power via radio waves to the electromagnetic coil in the back of the television. And voila--power without a power cord.

As noted, there is a pretty strict range for the wireless power and the television must also be placed parallel to the power source for it to work. Regardless, wireless power looks like an exciting and promising new technology that could transform our homes.

In addition to the impressive power trick, the television features Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI), which can stream 1080p content at 3 Gbps. It works at distances up to about 100 feet away. So there's no need for video input cables either.

Haier didn't provide a timetable for a consumer release so we'll just have to enjoy the interesting glimpse into the future for now.

Great idea for wall-mounted LCDs, but if you plan to use the pedestal and want the clean wireless look I have a better and much simpler idea. Why don't the LCD manufacturers design the underside of the pedestal to be hollow with a big opening toward the back, so that you have the option of ALL the cords being channelled through the bottom of it? Then you could cut a 2" diameter hole in the entertainment center directly under the pedestal, much like how office desks have a pre-cut hole to route all the computer cabling, with an optional vinyl plug if you don't want to use it. All the cords would be hidden below the shelf where the LCD rests. If this catches on, I can imagine all entertainment furniture being designed with a pre-cut hole where the TV is supposed to rest.

Another benefit I just thought of, if the cables are pulled taught from underneath, it would reduce the chance of the flat panel being tipped or knocked over or falling forward, and maybe even prevent theft.